A Luna for the Lycan King novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73

I turned over in the tangled sheets, my body instinctively searching for Darren’s familiar warmth, but as my hand reached out, I was met with an empty space and a cool spot on the bed. My eyes snapped open. “Darren?” I called softly, scanning the dark interior of the tent. The faint glow of the dull morning light filtered through the fabric walls, casting shadows on the ground below. Darren was gone, and judging by the coolness of the blanket, he had been gone for quite some time.

With a sigh, I swung my legs over the edge of the cot and stood, wrapping myself in a thick robe. The soft fur lining tickled my skin as I cinched it tight around my waist.

I pushed aside the canvas and stepped out into the crisp morning air. A shiver ran through me as the cool breeze caressed my face. The camp was already stirring to life around

1. me.

My eyes scanned the misty field, searching for that familiar, broad–shouldered silhouette. Nothing. Just tents and trees and the soft glow of dawn. My stomach twisted. This wasn’t like Darren at all. He was always within sight, his protective instincts keeping him close. Especially now, since I would be leaving him.

A bird’s cheerful song pierced the morning quiet, at odds with the knot of anxiety forming in my chest. I took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of dewy grass and woodsmoke.

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“Get it together, Allissa,” I chided myself. “He’s probably just… doing kingly things, Yes, Important, broody, kingly things that absolutely couldn’t wait until a decent hour,”

But even as I tried to reassure myself, a chiff ran down my spine that had nothing to do with the cool air. Something felt off. Wrong,

I hugged myself tightly, suddenly longing for the warmth and safety of Darren’s arms. The thought of returning to the Lycan Kingdom without him by my side felt like a physical ache.

My heart leapt into my throat as a group of soldiers suddenly rushed past me, their armor clanking and faces grim. Following their trajectory, my gaze landed on the infirmary tent. People were swarming in and out like agitated bees, their movements frantic and purposeful.

“No,” I breathed, my feet already carrying me towards the chaos.

I grabbed the arm of a fairy healer as she hurried by, her gossamer wings quivering with tension. “What’s happening?” I demanded, my voice higher than usual.

The fairy’s luminous eyes met mine, filled with a mixture of panic and sorrow. “We were attacked. The lookouts spotted them just in time. They managed to intercept the enemy before they reached the camp.” I dropped my hold on the fairy as she hurried back inside the tent, preparing for the injured.

My world tilted on its axis. “Attacked? But… Darren didn’t wake

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1. me. He-” My voice broke as realization dawned. Of course he hadn’t woken me. Of course he’d gone to face the danger alone, exhausted as he was. “That self–sacrificing idiot,” I hissed, fear and anger warring within me. “He barely slept! He should have woken me.” I pursed my lips together as I looked at the horizon.

Wounded warriors were being carried in on stretchers and coming toward the infirmary tent.

Two burly werewolves carried in a stocky figure, his beard matted with blood and soot.

“By Mahal’s hammer,” the dwarf groaned as they lowered him onto a cot. “Those demon imps… never seen magic like that before.”

I edged closer, my heart pounding. “What happened out there?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

One of the werewolves looked at me, recognition in his eyes. “Your Majesty,” he bowed his head slightly. “It was… carnage. We won, but at what cost?”

A fairy healer bustled over, her hands already glowing with healing magic. The dwarf grabbed her wrist, his words tumbling out urgently.

“We weren’t ready for so many. Not mercenaries… the whole blasted demon army, allied with those bloodsucking leeches.” Ice flooded my veins. They weren’t mercenaries but allies.

“Their magic… it was like nothing I’ve ever seen. We lost… we

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lost so many,” The dwarf closed his eyes from exhaustion as the heater worked on him,

I stumbled back, my mind reeling, Darren was out there, fighting an army we weren’t prepared for. My mate, exhausted and possibly outnumbered,

“Darren,” I whispered, fear clawing at my throat. “Where are you?”

A thunderous sound pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. I whirled around, my eyes widening at the sight before me.

Through the misty forest, an army emerged. Elves with bows at the ready, fairies darting between the trees, and lumbering behemoths that shook the earth with each step.

“Reinforcements have arrived,” a nearby soldier breathed in

relief.

I watched, momentarily stunned, as the diverse forces filed into our encampment. A lycan messenger rushed past, shouting, “More are coming! Werewolves and lycans from the northern packs! All species are sending additional troops.” The army that had gathered was for fighting the vampires. Knowing we needed to fight against the demons, too, meant we needed more

warriors.

A shadow passed overhead, dimming the light. I looked up, my breath catching in my throat. The sky was filled with majestic creatures – griffins and hippogriffs, their wings beating in unison as they descended upon our camp. Atop the largest griffin, a

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figure with hair like liquid fire stood out against the pale morning sky,

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As they landed, the woman leaped from her mount with grace that belied her fierce appearance. Her voice rang out, clear and commanding, “Assemble and await further orders!”

My curiosity piqued, I approached her. She turned, her emerald eyes appraising me with keen interest.

“I’m Allissa,” I said, my voice steady despite my inner turmoil. “The Lycan King’s mate.”

A smile curved her lips. “Dayanara Nyte, Princess of the Sorcery Clan and, as you can see, an enchantress.” She gestured to the army behind her. “We come late, but we bring our strongest. The sorcerers of my clan stand ready to fight.”

“There was a battle,” I began, my voice catching slightly.

Dayanara’s expression softened. “We know. Our scouts informed us as we approached.” She placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “The fighting has ceased. Your warriors are returning as we speak.”

I nodded my head with a weak smile. The battle was over, but from the sounds of it, we had suffered heavy losses. “I better get changed.”

I turned away from Dayanara, my heart pounding as I made my way back to our tent. The camp buzzed with activity, but I barely noticed, lost in my own swirling thoughts.

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Inside the tent, I reached for my clothes with trembling hands. As I dressed, my mind raced. This is how it would be now, I realized. Darren fighting battles without me while I waited, anxious and feeling helpless.